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Danger of Ebola Isn't The Virus Itself But The Panic

10/10/14 20:04

The average person in the Western world with a first rate medical system really has nothing to fear from Ebola. Nor does he or she has anything to fear from other forms of hemorrhagic viruses. Contracting Ebola requires directly contact with an infectious person who actively shows symptoms of the virus. In order to get infected, one would need to come into contact with bodily fluids of the infected and contract it through the person’s nose, eyes, mouth. or open cut. Basically, some way for the virus to get into one’s body.

The greatest danger of Ebola comes from the spread of rumors and misinformation that would result in massive panic, widespread loss of confidence in medical system to contain the virus, and, of course, economic losses. So far, the American public have taken interest but there is no fear or evidence of panic.

However, it does not mean that there are no things that one can do to protect himself should the spread of Ebola continue to spread. And in all probability, it will as travel in and out of West Africa continues with limited screening of travelers for deadly virus. Furthermore, there is also likelihood of a breakdown in the system like what happened in Dallas where the first confirmed case of Ebola in the United States was grossly mismanaged.

What the public needs to do is to continue to educate itself and follow proper guidelines issued by the CDC and additional instructions that are likely to follow. Be very wary of anything that might be spread through the Internet.

Keeping a cool, clear head is the best medicine to fight Ebola along with a lot of common sense.